We can all agree that berry season is a ton of fun. You can go berry picking with the family, bake a homemade berry pie, or enjoy a sweet, delicious berry snack. Yum!
What’s not so fun? Trying to get berry stains out of your clothes. Luckily, stain removal can be a breeze if you just follow these steps:
- Wipe. Start by removing any excess berry chunks or juice from the material.
- Cleanse. Pour some hydrogen peroxide on the stained area.
- Mix Cleaning Solution. Make a homemade cleaning solution by mixing 1 tbsp. dish soap and 10 oz. water.
- Blot. Apply the dish soap solution to the stained area and use a clean rag (that you don’t mind getting a little dirty) to blot out the stain.
- Wash. Launder the stained material with cold water because hot water will cause the stain to set.
- Rinse. Flush the back of the stained area with cold water and it should be good as new!
This method should work for any berry stain, but when it comes to blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, try the methods detailed below.
How to Get Blueberry Stains Out
Blueberry stains are some of the most noticeable berry stains. The deep color that blueberries leave behind is hard to miss. The quicker you’re able to treat the stain, the better!
For blueberry stains, the Lemon Juice Method can work wonders: Rub a freshly cut lemon on the stained area, rinse with cold water, and let air-dry. If some of the stain is still visible, use the steps outlined above for thorough stain removal.
How to Remove Blackberry Stains
Blackberries also leave behind a noticeable deep-colored stain, which means they can be a pain to get out. If the stain persists after using the Lemon Juice Method and the steps above, try pretreating the material and re-washing it.
- Create Pre-Treat Solution. Mix 1 tbsp. white vinegar and ½ tsp. liquid laundry detergent into a quart of cool water.
- Soak. Let the fabric soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Re-Wash. Launder the clothing once more to get out any remaining discoloration.
How to Remove Strawberry Stains
The bright red color of strawberry stains might not be as dark and noticeable as a blueberry or blackberry stain, but you still want to get the stain out of your clothes after you’ve finished eating your sweet treat. For strawberry stains, use the same steps outlined above, but apply rubbing alcohol to the stain before placing it in the wash.
First, test how the fabric will react by placing some rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the clothing. If the fabric is unharmed, apply the rubbing alcohol to the stain, rinse with warm water, and wash the clothing in the hottest water possible.
For additional stain fighting power, wash the clothes with chlorine bleach or color safe bleach, depending on the fabric. Feel a little unsure about using bleach, learn how to use bleach like a pro.
Spring Is Here!
Need some help with your long list of spring-cleaning chores? Molly Maid won't do your laundry, but hiring a maid service can help make more time for other household chores.
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